Waiting Game!

Well, my information was submitted to Blue Cross on 08/13/2004. I called them Thursday, 08/19 and they still had not had a decision yet. Sometimes it seems like everything I do always takes longer than others. Dr. Sundberg's office (the surgeon) said it would take about a week to hear back on approval. Some have told me they heard within two days from Blue Cross. Blue Cross told me Thursday that it can take 30 DAYS..but would probably hear something by the end of August. It would nice if they would get it approved this coming week so I can meet with the dietician and the surgeon and get my pre-op exams scheduled. The waiting game continues. It's bad to not have patience, but I am guilty of that! Steven Ray Boone, IA

Hi Steven, I think all of us can relate to the waiting game! Know I sure can. I had a Sioux Falls surgeon & they FINALLY got my paperwork in. I was denied cuz the lady misread some info. My PC (2 of them) wrote a letter for me both stating I was an accident waiting to happen I was at high risk for heart attack/stroke. I ended up having mild heart attack while waiting for decision so had to wait ANOTHER 3 months!!! I found a surgeon 30 miles away from me since Sioux Falls was giving me the run-around. It was well worth the wait in the end. Doesn't seem like it while you are waiting! Will keep you in my thoughts & prayers. Carolyn 4/20/04 -55 lbs http://groups.msn.com/CarnieWilsonFriendsWeekend

Hi Steve: I really feel for you. I remember the wait being the hardest part about this surgery. I may have something to do with August being the busiest vacation time of the year for people in Iowa. Most families travel and the insurance office may be low on staff. I don't know, but I'm just trying to think of reasons that may help you with your wait. Good luck: keep us posted, Eileen

Steven, I promise you it will well be worth the wait. Insurance is a funny business and they sometimes do take their time. Keep calling them that might make them go faster. Good Luck Melinda

Steven, Thanks for including us in this game that you are playing - the waiting game. It really isn't any fun at all, is it. Hang in there and know that we all have "been there, done that". Once you are approved and get a date, the time will just fly! We're crossing our fingers for you! God bless, Andrea

I work for BC/BS of IA and most all of the Gastric Bypass requests are taking 2-4 weeks at this time b/c of the high volume of them.